Research Affiliates

The SME Program works closely with a strong network of researchers to shape the Program’s agenda and develop a portfolio of innovative projects. We are pleased that the following researchers have agreed to be a part of our affiliate network.

Academic Leads

Dean Karlan, IPA and Northwestern UniversityDean Karlan is a Professor of Economics and Finance at Northwestern University and Founder of IPA. He is a graduate of the University of Chicago's Harris Graduate School of Public Policy and Graduate School of Business and received his Ph.D. in 2002 from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Recipient of the National Science Foundation CAREER Award, the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), and the Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowship, Dean is also a research fellow at the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab and the Bureau for Research and Economic Analysis of Development. Prior to joining the faculty at Northwestern University, Professsor Karlan was a Professor of Economics at Yale University.

Antoinette Schoar, MIT, Sloan School of ManagementAntoinette Schoar is the Michael M. Koerner (49’) Professor of Entrepreneurial Finance at the MIT Sloan School of Management. She has been teaching at Sloan in the areas of corporate finance and entrepreneurship. Professor Schoar holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Chicago and an undergraduate degree from the University of Cologne, Germany. She is an associate editor of the Journal of Finance and the American Economic Journal in Applied Economics. Professor Schoar’s current research examines returns and capital flows in the venture capital industry, financing of SMEs and start up firms in emerging markets and the impact of corporate governance practices on firm performance.

Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) is registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions to IPA are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. IPA’s tax identification number is 06-1660068.